- Kites on fire -On April 6, thousands of Palestinians gather again near the security barrier. Nine Palestinians are killed and nearly 500 injured.

The confrontation continues over the coming days, with new deaths on the Palestinian side.

The Palestinians employ a new tactic, sending kites across the border carrying embers or flamming rags.

- Bloodbath -On May 14, tens of thousands of Palestinians return to the barrier as the US opens its controversial embassy in Jerusalem after Washington recognised the disputed holy city as Israel's capital.

At least 62 Palestinians are killed by Israeli fire in the ensuing violence and more than 2,400 wounded.

A top Hamas official says most of those killed are its members.

On May 29, Israel's air force strikes dozens of targets in Gaza in response to a barrage of mortar and rocket fire.

The armed wings of Hamas and allied militant group Islamic Jihad claim joint responsibility for fire from Gaza.

- The United Nations -On June 1, Washington vetoes a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for the protection of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Four more Palestinians are killed and 100 injured, including an AFP photographer at the scene, as new demonstrations turn into clashes on June 8.

On June 13, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution, opposed by the United States, condemning Israel for the violence, rejecting an American amendment implicating Hamas.

- Biggest air strikes -On July 14, Israel unleashes its biggest air strikes on the Gaza Strip since a 2014 war, killing two Palestinians, while 200 rockets target Israel.

On July 20, four Palestinians are killed in Gaza, as Israel strikes throughout the enclave. An Israeli soldier becomes the first to be killed in and around Gaza since 2014.

Israeli strikes on July 25 kill three Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip after an Israel soldier is wounded by gunfire. Two days later, three Palestinians are killed including a 12-year-old.

An Israeli strike on August 7 kills two militants of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing.

Overnight August 8-9, Hamas fires some 180 rockets and mortars from Gaza, according to the Israeli army, which says its response targets 150 of the movement's military sites, leaving three Palestinians dead including a pregnant woman and her toddler.

The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades claims responsibility for the rocket fire.